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When I talk to people at events, I see how business models have changed over the last year. Bike Share operators are constantly challenged to keep up with the rapidly changing industry and offer better rider experiences to its users.

A big opportunity for operators in 2018 is in how Bike Share Schemes are managed. It will not be enough to just supply the bikes, questions will be asked about how operators cater to the local market needs.

Intelligent operations will be at the heart of Bike Share Schemes in 2018 with operators focused on delivering the best experience to compete in the highly saturated market.

As Bike Share continues to grow across the globe, I see the following trends changing the marketplace:

Rise in App-Based & Dockless Bike Share Models

App-based Bike Share Schemes are being deployed in more markets globally. In many urban cities, you now have access to free-floating bikes that can be picked up and dropped off virtually anywhere. In 2018, we will see an increase in cities adopting these schemes in an effort to reduce the strain on existing transport infrastructure and facilitate the move from personal vehicles.

Growth of Multi-Operator Environments

Multi-operator environments are not new. We are already seeing many cities where more than one operator is running a scheme. Throughout 2018, this is likely to grow to more cities around the world and operators will be asked to deliver an optimised Bike Share Scheme to keep up with the competition. Cities will also need assuring that resources will be better managed to avoid bikes being damaged or left in unsuitable places.

Optimised Redistribution with New Technology & Incentives

The growth in Bike Share Schemes and multi-operator environments will be the driving force for better redistribution. Operators will be challenged to offer schemes that work well and is not a nuisance to cities or its citizens. Fortunately, new technology such as geo-fencing and incentives including financial rewards will drive better rebalancing processes. From the events I’ve been to, it’s clear that operators are looking to do more to improve their redistribution efforts.

Increased Bike Share Regulations

Bike Share operators have welcomed the prospect of more regulations. While some may hinder current operations, most regulations will help Bike Share Schemes to thrive. It will guide operators as to what is required and enable them to grow into new markets much easier.

Driving Intelligent Bike Share Scheme Operations

In 2018, operators will look towards better ways to manage their schemes and to grow their ridership. We see growth in technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) simplifying the management process. It enables operators to sort through vast amounts of data to gain actionable insights that has a direct impact on their operation. That kind of information makes management of Bike Share Schemes simple and efficient.

In 2018, we will continue to see disruption in all parts of Bike Share and the wider transportation industry. It will impact how operators do business. How these schemes are managed will still be the main focus for many cities and its citizens.

Users expect transportation to be as simple and efficient as the other services they consume on a day-to-day basis. That puts the pressure on operators to deliver a well-run Bike Share Scheme.

An optimised scheme enables users to rely on its services and use it regularly. It reduces unnecessary costs and complications for operators while driving profits to their business.

Fortunately, I see new technology, incentives and processes enabling operators to transform their current business model.

At Stage Intelligence, we combine citywide data with AI technology to deliver real value to Bike Share Scheme operators. Our BICO platform makes it easy for operators to simplify their operations and deliver Bike Share Schemes that works for both cities and the users.

Big data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) provide a valuable opportunity for growth to Bike Share Schemes that have been deployed and developed across the six continents. Both schemes that are in the planning stages and ones that have already been deployed can benefit from leveraging big data and AI

Operators looking to drive growth to their schemes need AI to sort through vast amounts of data. If you combine millions of different criteria across a large urban area, the sheer number of possibilities can be overwhelming.

Every element matters and can influence where bikes are dropped and congestion occurs. In the worst-case scenarios, a rider borrows a bike but can’t find a dock and must travel away from their destination to drop it off and when they return there are no bikes remaining.

Data and AI is key to avoiding this situation. It ensures rider satisfaction by predicting demand in popular areas and managing supply. Only with data and AI technology can Bike Share Schemes look to improve existing processes, operations and logistics, and drive growth to their operations.

Going forward, data needs to be more accessible to operators. Open data allows Bike Share Scheme operators to deliver a transport solution that works for all. Data ensures bikes are available when and where it’s needed to support the growth of Bike Share Scheme deployments around the world.

Regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will still be paramount in the push for the openness of data. Cities, operators and all others involved have a duty to follow secure practices and take necessary steps in protecting user information.

Data and AI are ready to help operators to adapt and grow their schemes while refining and simplifying how they manage distribution.

For operators, getting started is simple:

Evaluate long and short-term goals and growth objectives

Explore what AI-based management platforms are available

Look at what open data, shared data and Smart City initiative have been launched or are being developed locally

Collaborate with AI experts and begin the journey towards smarter and more efficient Bike Share Schemes

Smart Cities that have active and growing Bike Share Schemes create urban environments that are healthier, with less congestion and better placed to manage growing populations.

In 2016, 1.7 billion people or 23% of the world’s population lived in a city with at least 1 million inhabitants, according to the United Nations. By 2030, that will grow to 27%. Urbanisation is continuing to grow and that puts strain on transportation networks.

Public Transport in its current state is already stretched and cities are often challenged to fund new projects. With optimised Bike Share Schemes, cities can encourage citizens to cycle and avoid crowded transport systems.

As more Smart City initiatives are deployed, cities become data-rich environments that can benefit Bike Share Schemes. The emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and a growing number of connected devices deployed across a city will only expand the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Bike Share Schemes and transportation overall.

Expanding data sets managed with AI can deliver results that directly benefit riders and influence how a city functions and grows.

All cities can benefit from an AI-driven Bike Share Scheme but as smart technologies are rolled out widely, the depth of data will grow. Operators benefit from new and increasingly precise insights while riders will see Bike Share Schemes optimised in new ways.

With AI, operators can ensure a well-run Bike Share Scheme that offers:

A Cleaner Transport Option:

For cities to help tackle climate change and deliver a better environment for citizens to live in

Healthier and Happier Riders:

Through daily exercise

Effective First & Last Mile Solution:

Since it can be significantly cheaper and faster than other public transport options for short distances

Reduced Strain on Infrastructure:

As less people are using public transport that requires continuous upkeep and maintenance

More Investment in Cities:

With less need for maintenance and new projects, Smart Cities can use funding on other much needed transport infrastructure such as cycling lanes and incentives

Manage Rising Transport Demand:

With increasing urban-dwellers, cities can offer more transport options with a Bike Share Scheme to accommodate this rise

City’s Brand Image:

Can be shaped by a cycling culture, supporting tourism and other thriving economic industries

Bike Share Schemes are like no other modes of transport. It offers a viable transportation option to many crowded cities that deliver a range of benefits to both cities and its citizens.

Cities and its citizens stand to gain a lot from the success of Bike Share Schemes. They provide a clean and healthy transportation option in increasingly congested urban areas. Cities now play a huge role in attracting new schemes and supporting the adoption with cyclists.

In an effort to grow and capture further market share, Bike Share Schemes are always looking to enter new markets. Chinese start-ups are a prime example of this with many expanding to nearby countries such as Singapore and even as far as the UK.

Operators are now looking at more than just market size. They need to be sure that cities can fully support the growth of their schemes with proper infrastructure, capital and in changing consumer perception if necessary.

We highlight what cities and city planners can do to help attract Bike Share Schemes and support the adoption and growth with its citizens:

Provide safe cycling infrastructure:

It is important that citizens have access to safe cycling infrastructure. By promoting safe cycling, more riders are likely to see Bike Share Schemes and cycling in general as a viable solution.

Suitable cycling lanes and places for docking stations will be critical to the adoption and growth of the schemes.

Promote a cycling culture

The citizens are one of the biggest assets for cities. By changing perceptions and encouraging people to cycle, Bike Share Scheme operators will see more value and potential in entering the market.

Aside from getting operators into the market, a cycling culture will also greatly benefit the city. As more people cycle, the image of cities itself can be reshaped while seeing environmental and cost benefits.

Work with existing transportation hubs

A huge amount of Bike Share Scheme riders see it as a last-mile solution. Such schemes often help them get to their final destinations quicker, easier and more cost efficiently.

Through working with existing hubs by strategically placing bikes and docking stations, operators will have access to a large portion of the market. Cities can also offer its citizens an integrated transportation option.

Partner with operators

By working with operators, cities can ensure that Bike Share Schemes are set up to meet both the needs of the cities and citizens as well as the operators themselves. Showing a willing partnership is going to be more encouraging to new operators looking to enter and grow in a specific market.

Cities also have immense potential in capturing data. Operators need to make use of the data available in cities to increase ridership. Data within cities can be used to identify key areas that will be crucial to new schemes and is also highly helpful in predicting demand.

At Stage Intelligence, we use real-time data available in cities and Artificial Intelligence technology to simplify Bike Share Scheme logistics. By understanding the data, Bike Share Schemes can remove complexity and give bikes to riders when and where they want them.

To find out more about how Stage Intelligence can manage operations and increase ridership within your Bike Share Scheme, please contact